Artistes speak on new year, new projects

Different players in the arts sector said they are ready for the new year and hoped that it will be better compared to 2015.
By Moses Mugugunyeki/Problem Masau

Many artistes who spoke to The Standard Style said they had put in place plans that will make this year a fruitful one.

Jive Zimbabwe founder Benjamin Nyandoro said though 2015 was a successful year for his organisation, he hopes this year could be even bigger and better.

“I want to take 2016 a notch higher. Our theme is still Celebrate Local and we are hoping to stage a big gig every month. Our emphasis is to take local arts to a greater height. We have already set the tone by the closing gig of the year, Fill Up the HICC,” he said.

Mbira queen Hope Masike said she was concentrating on more music and travelling around the world.

“My theme for this year is more music. I will be touring different parts of the world with my band and as always, I will be putting Zimbabwe on the map. This year, I will also concentrate on promoting other female artistes,” she said.

Edith WeUtonga said she will be reuniting with her “lost” love.

“I will be reuniting with my other love, that is acting, and I will also be doing collaborations with a lot of people. I cannot name them right now because I am currently talking to some of them. This year is for collaborations and edifying me,” she said.

Selmor Mtukudzi said she had a good 2015 and plans to go even further this year.

“I had the best last year, my plans are to double all my achievements this year through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have a lot of surprises for my fans,” she said.

Chamson Boroma, who many people know as Simon Chimbetu’s “forgotten son”, said he will stage shows countrywide.

“I will be staging many shows across the country. I want fans to connect with the real Dendera that I sing,” he said.

Mathias Mhere, who had a bitter-sweet 2015, said he will be releasing a new album this year.

“I will be releasing a new album called Double Double and I hope it is going to be a big thing. I also plan to have international tours,” he said.

Afro jazz artist, Prince Kudakwashe Musarurwa who released an online music video of the song Haruperi Zvekumhanya on New Year’s Day, said he was working on more music videos this year.

“We are finishing up videos in January and early February. Fans should expect a DVD release for the albums Chiga Chikuru and Dzambarafuta Rave Igo. We will also perform at a Valentine’s Day treat at Troutbeck Inn in the Eastern Highlands,” said Prince K.

“There are also plans to tour Europe and the United States during the English summer period, but nothing is cast in stone yet.”

Fashion designer Tarisai Gwenje said this will be a busy year for her, as she will attend a number of international fashion shows.

“I am looking forward to take part at the Vancouver Fashion Week in Canada in March and two other fashion shows which I cannot reveal at the moment. At the end of the year I will launch my fashion label,” she said.

Upcoming musician Ruva Renyika said she will introduce herself to the music industry this year.

“I am expecting to release my debut album in March. I know it’s going to unveil me as a great name in the music industry,” she said.

Veteran musician and producer Clive Mono Mukundu said he was expecting bigger things this year and hoping a legislation would be put in place to deal with piracy.

“I promise new music, new sounds and new artistes,” Mukundu said. “Piracy can only end when there is legislation to deal with it, which is something I am expecting our government to do.”

South Africa-based Zimbabwean actor and film producer Mthulisi Moyo said he was already in the studio working on new productions for 2016.

“I am in the studio working on the production of Mahlalela 2 and another drama that will be shot in Harare soon,” he said.

Moyo is the brains behind Mahlalela 1, a drama that features comedian-cum musician Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima and South African musician Freddy “Amadamara” Gwala.

He said his new production will feature the two artistes.

Mutare-based musician Brian “Murondatsimba” Samaita said he was not promising new things in the near future since he is still marketing his latest album Tsono.

“Tsono is still selling well and it is getting airplay on all radio stations. We are giving the album time on the market before we release our fourth project,” said Samaita.